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Former Atlanta United midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, one of the most important players in the team’s brief-but-illustrious history, officially announced his retirement from professional soccer Monday.
Jeff Larentowicz is retiring from professional soccer today. Jeff gave everything to the game and to the people around him. A true professional on and off the field. Below please find his thoughts on his 16-year MLS career. pic.twitter.com/UraXZebKVR
— brendan hannan (@brendanhannan) April 5, 2021
Larentowicz served as a regular starter under two different managers in Atlanta. The midfielder specifically mentions Tata Martino in his announcement letter, stating “[Thanks to] Tata Martino for gently stoking the dying embers of my time in the league — it was remarkable to watch you work.”
I’m not crying it’s just the damn pollen I swear.
Larentowicz finished his Atlanta United career as the team’s all-time caps leader at 132 appearances in all competitions — a number higher than even goalkeeper Brad Guzan. He racked up 104 starts out of those appearances, good for third most among outfielders in team history, trailing only Julian Gressel (105) and Leandro Gonzalez Pirez (115). Only LGP logged more minutes among outfield players. He and Josef Martinez led the team in starts in Atlanta United’s 2018 MLS Cup winning season. And he did all of this between ages 34-37.
Godspeed Jeff, and we all look forward to seeing you back in Mercedes-Benz Stadium someday in whatever capacity you choose.